Sunday, 13 November 2011

CFL playoff east west semi final wrap up

The CFL playoffs started with a bang. The Eastern Semi-Final between the Montreal Alouettes and the Hamilton Tiger Cats will go down as one of the best playoff games ever played. With numerous lead changes the game was tied 44-44 after regulation and it could of been over had Hamilton not had a time count violation which pushed Justin Medlock to try a 53 yard field goal attempt which he missed with no time on the clock. With the game now in overtime, Hamilton scored on its first drive in extra time when Quinton Porter the QB who is used on short yardage situations plunged his way in the end-zone moments after Backari Grant caught the ball at the 4 yard line making it 52-44 after a 2 point convert which is obligatory in overtime for a team who scores a touchdown. Montreal had to score but on a 3rd and 1 rather than try to run for the first down, AC threw a good pass but running back Brandon Whitaker who led the league in rushing could not hang on and the Tabbies dethrone the champs and finally win a playoff game since 2001 and winning in Montreal for the first time since 2002 when they were led by the QB WR tantum of Danny McManus and Darren Flutie.
Now in the West Semi-Final it featured once again the Battle of Alberta. The Esks who were hosting their first home playoff game since 2004 when the lost to the Saskatchewan RoughRiders won 33-19 over their provincial rivals with the turning point coming in the second quarter when Drew Tate who replaced starting QB Henry Burris during the season fumbled the ball when he was about to throw it which linebacker Damaso Munoz scooping the loose ball and returning it 77 yards for the score which gave the Esks the lead it would not relinquish.
With the West and East finals next sunday expect to see great matchups with Winnipeg hosting Hamilton and the Esks travelling to BC which they have not lost a home game since moving back into newly renovated BC Place. Theses two games will be another test to whoever reaches the big game on November 27th which will be in Vancouver.